No, I don’t mean old people.  We spent the long weekend camping with our church group at Dinosaur Valley State Park and it was awesome.  We had heard such good things about this place, but could never get in because of the waiting list for camping sites.  We went with 55 people from our church and had a blast.  Although I don’t love the getting ready and the unpacking when we get home, it really is our favorite family activity.  We got there early Saturday morning and saw the big dinosaurs that were donated after the 1964 New York World’s Fair.

We also saw some really huge dinosaur tracks that Ethan is still talking about.  We got the camper settled and spent a lot of time at the river.  There are parts of the river that are roped off for the dinosaur tracks, but it was the coolest place to play.  Most of it was very shallow and very rocky, and most of us had at least one good, hard spill on the rocks…I’m pretty sure mine was the hardest but I had to make a statement somehow.  I also took Rachel down with me so that gave me extra points.  The water wasn’t too cold and we found some trails there from our campsite so we could bike there.  I couldn’t believe it but Ethan biked all over that place without his training wheels and with only a couple of spills.  Kid’s got skills!

We camp twice a year with our church group and we’ve started all just pitching in for a group breakfast each morning.  The first morning we had breakfast burritos and the second we had french toast, pancakes and bacon.  Definitely one of my favorite parts.

My favorite part, though, is always our church service Sunday morning.  Dinosaur Valley had a really cool amphitheater where we had service.  There’s just something about singing praises to God when you’re outside and surrounded by His creation.  We are so blessed to live where we do and to have this church family.

When Clay talked me into buying our camper last year I would have never thought we would get so much enjoyment out of it and that the kids would love it so much.  This was our 8th trip in 14 months so, Clay, I’m sorry I ever doubted you.  Can’t wait for the next trip.

It is 10:58 a.m. and this child has already pooped 4 times.

I hate going days (okay, fine – weeks) at a time without updating the blog because then I’m overwhelmed just thinking about it.  Things have been so busy around here that I just haven’t made the time to sit down and do it.  But for the sake of recording our lives, here’s what we’ve been up to since last Thursday:

Thursday – Our preschool program - my pre-k class had graduation and Ethan’s class sang a couple of songs.  It was a lot of fun and thankfully my kid wasn’t responsible for any of the close calls on the stage.

Friday – The kids and I drove to Tyler for a wedding of a family friend.  It was actually a girl I used to babysit so I spent most of the evening feeilng really tired and old.  It was a beautiful outdoor wedding and the reception included a candy bar and a kids buffet which made the whole thing that much more enjoyable.  Well, that and watching my kids and their cousins shake it on the dance floor.
 

Saturday – One of Ethan’s school friends had a birthday party that morning that ended up serving as a really cool AFC reunion.  That afternoon we infected watched Lauryn & Allison for a little while.  I picked them up perfectly healthy and returned Lauryn back home with a 103.7 temperature.  That evening Rachel and I had a girls night out to see Josie’s dance recital.  It was at a really cool, restored theater and I really don’t think Rachel and I have ever had that much fun together.  She sat in my lap the entire time and kept saying, “Mommy – this is so much fun.  I love you soooooo much.”  Upon leaving she had a big ol’ sad meltdown because she wanted to get up on stage and dance.  How early can you sign them up for dance class?


 

Sunday – I don’t remember Sunday.  I was tired.

Monday – The kids and I went back to Tyler for my great Aunt Ann’s funeral.  She has been sick for a while and finally went home to be reunited with my Uncle Ray who passed away last June.  It was a beautiful service to honor a beautiful lady who truly reflected a servant’s heart and spirit.  Ethan, of course, had a ton of questions about how and why she died and what she was doing in heaven.  I tried to explain that what he saw was just Aunt Ann’s body because her soul had already gone to heaven.  About an hour later he said, “Where did they cut Aunt Ann’s body?”  I told him that no one cut her body.  He said, “Yes they did!  They had to cut it to get her soul out.” 
 

Tuesday – We had fun day at school that meant a lot of sweating but no lesson plan so it was a success for me.  That evening some friends had us over for a wonderful taco dinner.  Rachel tortured played with the kittens while Ethan forced the other kids to play with him on the trampoline. 

Wednesday – Rachel finally got her first haircut…hallelujah!  I told the lady to please just try and make her hair look intentional, and I think she granted my wish.  When we walked in Ethan said, “Wow!  Rachel you have a rock star cutting your hair!” 

Throw in 3 chiropractic appointments a week for me to try and whip this back into shape and we’re blowing and going.  Thankfully today was the last day of school so now we can look forward to the summer.

I love how two boys doing this:

can easily turn into two boys doing this:

I’m not sure what approach everyone else uses for helping their kids learn shapes, but we prefer the unconventional methods around here.  I was in the bathroom yesterday with Rachel while she was pooping (yes, I lead a very glamorous lifestyle).  Upon inspection of the toilet she busted out with, “Mommy!  A triangle and a circle!”  I’m so proud.

It will be a sad day when flexing your muscles like this just isn’t cute anymore. 

Just wanted to say happy birthday (yesterday) to my Mom – the most wonderful Mom in the world.  She also just happens to be the best Nana in the whole world, and according to Rachel, Nana is one of her very favorite friends.  Mom, we all love you very, very much and we’re looking forward to celebrating with you tonight!!!